lithium hydroxide composition, a process for preparing a lithium hydroxide composition, and a process for using a lithium hydroxide composition

ABSTRACT

The invention provides for a lithium hydroxide composition including lithium hydroxide, a base oil, and a polymer. The invention also provides for a process for preparing a lithium hydroxide composition including contacting a lithium hydroxide component, a base oil, and a polymer. The invention also provides for a process of using a lithium hydroxide composition for preparing a soap concentrate or a grease.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lithium hydroxide composition, a process forpreparing a lithium hydroxide composition, and a process for using alithium hydroxide composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soap concentrates, for example, lithium soap concentrates, lithiumcomplex soap concentrates, and lithium-calcium complex soapconcentrates, may be utilized with a base oil, generally to thicken abase oil, to provide for a lubricating composition commonly referred toas a grease.

In addition to the individual components of a grease, anothercontributing factor to the final properties and characteristics of thegrease is the particular process and conditions under which the soapconcentrate precursors, the soap concentrate, and the grease areprepared. Process conditions such as the dispersing and mixing of theindividual components and temperature variations may be significantfactors affecting the soap concentrate precursors, the soap concentrate,and the resulting grease, for example, the nature of the soapcrystallites and fibers formed.

For example, in situ preparation of dilute suspensions of anhydrouslithium hydroxide monohydrate in oil may be useful for preparing soapconcentrates and greases. However, the density of solid anhydrouslithium hydroxide is such that the solid tends to settle preventing theformation of a stable suspension comprising lithium hydroxide.

In addition, in the preparation of a grease, for example, a lithiumgrease, lithium hydroxide monohydrate is typically dissolved in asolvent such as water. The water must then be removed during the processof preparing the grease. Removing the water consumes time and energy.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,607 to Harris et el. discloses a process for thepreparation of a lithium soap thickened grease which consists of heatinga mixture of an oil and a lithium base, and optionally also a calciumbase, to at least 100° C., then adding a C10-C24 saturated orunsaturated fatty acid, and heating the resulting mixture at atemperature in the range of 110° C. to 200° C. until a thickened greaseis obtained.

International publication number WO 2004/031328 A2 discloses a greasecomposition comprising a reaction product of a stable dispersion of ametal hydroxide with a number average particle size in the range 20nanometres to 2 micrometres, a surfactant with a HLB of less than 10, amono- and/or poly-carboxylic acid, and an oil of lubricating viscosity.The method of preparing a grease composition is also disclosed withbenefits including a reduction in reaction time, amount of foam producedand environmental hazards.

Despite the history of soap concentrates and greases, there is still aneed for a stable lithium hydroxide composition, for example, a stablesuspension comprising lithium hydroxide, and a process for preparingsame, that may be utilized to provide for a soap concentrate or agrease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides for a lithium hydroxide composition comprisinglithium hydroxide, a base oil, and a polymer.

The invention also provides for a process for preparing a lithiumhydroxide composition comprising contacting a lithium hydroxidecomponent, a base oil, and a polymer.

The invention also provides for a process of using a lithium hydroxidecomposition for preparing a soap concentrate comprising contacting thelithium hydroxide composition with a fatty acid component.

The invention also provides for a process of using a lithium hydroxidecomposition for preparing a grease comprising contacting the lithiumhydroxide composition with a fatty acid component and a base oil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides for a lithium hydroxide composition that may beutilized to provide for a soap concentrate or a grease. The inventionalso provides for the preparing of a lithium hydroxide composition thatmay be utilized to provide for a soap concentrate or a grease.

The invention may provide for one or more of the following advantages.

An advantage of the invention is that a lithium hydroxide compositionmay be provided that is stable to separation under prolonged storage. Inother words, the components of the lithium hydroxide composition do notseparate or settle out, for example, during storage.

Another advantage of the invention is that a stable lithium hydroxidecomposition may be maintained or stored for a period of time and thenused as needed in preparing a soap concentrate or a grease.

Another advantage of the invention is the flexibility that may beprovided by a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention. Forexample, the lithium hydroxide composition may be utilized uponproduction to further provide for a soap concentrate or a grease, orstoring or maintaining the lithium hydroxide composition for future usewhen needed to provide for a soap concentrate or a grease.

Another advantage of the invention is that a reduced amount, preferablyno amount, of a solvent, for example, water, is added during thepreparation of a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention. Areduced amount of added solvent may provide for a lithium hydroxidecomposition that is more dry than a lithium hydroxide composition thatis prepared from a process that utilizes an increased amount of solventthat may provide for a reduction in time and energy that is typicallyrequired for removing the solvent during, for example, the preparationof a grease.

Another advantage of the invention is that a lithium hydroxidecomposition may be provided that is of a suitable composition that thelithium hydroxide composition may be added to other components toprovide for a soap concentrate or a grease. For example, a lithiumhydroxide composition may be provided using a process of the inventionat a particular location. The lithium hydroxide composition may then berelocated to another location for preparing a soap concentrate or agrease.

A lithium hydroxide composition of the invention comprises lithiumhydroxide that includes any suitable form of lithium hydroxide, forexample, anhydrous lithium hydroxide, crystalline lithium hydroxidemonohydrate, lithium hydroxide monohydrate, or a combination thereof. Anexample lithium hydroxide composition of the invention comprisesanhydrous lithium hydroxide and is essentially free of lithium hydroxidemonohydrate. Preferably, the anhydrous lithium hydroxide is provided bydehydrating lithium hydroxide monohydrate according to a process of theinvention.

A lithium hydroxide composition of the invention is generally in theform of a suspension comprising lithium hydroxide. A lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention is preferably in the form of a stablesuspension comprising lithium hydroxide.

The term “suspension” indicates that a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention comprises particles comprising lithium hydroxide mixedwith the other components as described herein. For example, theparticles comprising lithium hydroxide may be suspended in a base oil.The term “stable” indicates that a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention comprises a composition that does not readily alter itschemical composition or physical state through storage at ambientconditions. For example, the particles comprising lithium hydroxide donot readily separate out of, or settle out of, a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention. For example, the particles comprisinglithium hydroxide do not readily separate out of, or settle out of, alithium hydroxide composition of the invention stored under ambientconditions after a time period of 30 days, preferably after a timeperiod of 60 days, and more preferably after a time period of 90 days.The term “homogenous” indicates that a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention comprises a substantially uniform structure or compositionthroughout a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention.

The stability of a lithium hydroxide composition of the inventionprovides for the ability to store a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention over long periods of time without a separating out or settlingof the components of the lithium hydroxide composition. For example, atime period including from production up to 12 months may be obtainedfor storing a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention without asignificant separating out or settling of the components of the lithiumhydroxide composition. Also, for example, a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention may be used upon production as aningredient for preparing a soap concentrate or a grease. Also, forexample, a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention may be used atany time from production up to 12 months. Depending on the storageconditions for storing a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention,a storage time period of greater than 12 months may be obtained. Thus, alithium hydroxide composition of the invention may provide forflexibility during processes of preparing a soap concentrate or agrease.

A lithium hydroxide composition of the invention should not beconsidered a soap concentrate because the lithium hydroxide, which isgenerally basic, is generally not neutralized in a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention.

A lithium hydroxide composition of the invention generally compriseslithium hydroxide in any amount that suitably provides for a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention. A lithium hydroxide compositionof the invention comprises an amount of lithium hydroxide based on thetotal weight of the lithium hydroxide composition generally in a rangeof from 10 weight percent to 60 weight percent, preferably in a range offrom 15 weight percent to 50 weight percent, and more preferably in arange of from 20 weight percent to 40 weight percent.

A lithium hydroxide composition of the invention generally comprises abase oil in any amount that suitably provides for a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention. A lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention comprises an amount of base oil based on the total weight ofthe lithium hydroxide composition generally in a range of from 40 weightpercent to 90 weight percent, preferably in a range of from 45 weightpercent to 85 weight percent, and more preferably in a range of from 50weight percent to 80 weight percent.

A lithium hydroxide composition of the invention generally comprises apolymer in any amount that suitably provides for a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention. A lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention comprises an amount of polymer based on the total weight ofthe lithium hydroxide composition generally in a range of from 0.25weight percent to 20 weight percent, preferably in a range of from 0.5weight percent to 6 weight percent, and more preferably in a range offrom 1 weight percent to 5 weight percent.

When a fatty acid component is utilized, the fatty acid component willgenerally be neutralized to provide for a fatty acid salt, preferably alithium salt of hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid referred to herein asa castor oil fatty acid lithium salt, according to a process of theinvention. When a fatty acid component is utilized, a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention generally comprises a fatty acid salt inany amount that suitably provides for a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention. When a fatty acid component is utilized, a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention comprises an amount of fatty acidsalt based on the total weight of the lithium hydroxide compositiongenerally in a range of from 0.5 weight percent to 10 weight percent,preferably in a range of from 0.5 weight percent to 9 weight percent,and more preferably in a range of from 1 weight percent to 8 weightpercent.

The ratio of water to lithium hydroxide of a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention may be any ratio that suitably provides fora lithium hydroxide composition of the invention. The ratio of water tolithium hydroxide is generally in a range of from 0:1 to 7:1, preferablyin a range of from 0:1 to 0.75:1, and more preferably in a range of from0:1 to 0.5:1. An advantage of the invention is that a lithium hydroxidecomposition may be provided without the addition of water. In otherwords, the ratio of water to lithium hydroxide may be 0:1. An additionaladvantage of the invention includes, but is not limited to, a reducedamount of water being utilized that may provide for a reduction in timeand energy needed to dehydrate the resulting mixture comprising alithium hydroxide component.

Base oils, also referred to in the art as lubricating oils, for use inproviding for a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention, a soapconcentrate, or a grease may typically be the same as base oils thatwould normally be selected for oil lubrication. The base oil may be ofmineral origin, synthetic origin, vegetable origin, animal origin, or acombination thereof. Base oils of mineral origin may be mineral oils,for example, those produced by solvent refining or hydroprocessing. Baseoils of synthetic origin may typically comprise mixtures of C₁₀-C₅₀hydrocarbon polymers, for example liquid polymers of alpha-olefins,ester type polymers, ether type polymers, and combinations thereof. Baseoils may also include Fischer-Tropsch derived highly paraffinicproducts. Preferably, the base oil is of mineral origin.

Suitable examples of synthetic oils include polyolefins such asalpha-olefin oligomers and polybutene, polyalkylene glycols such aspolyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, diesters such asdi-2-ethyl hexyl sebacate and di-2-ethyl hexyl adipate, polyol esterssuch as trimethylolpropane ester and pentaerythritol ester,perfluorolalkyl ethers, silicone oils, polyphenyl ethers, eitherindividually or as mixed oils.

Examples of base oils suitable for preparing a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention include medium viscosity mineral oils, highviscosity mineral oils, and combinations thereof. A base oil suitablefor preparing a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention generallyhas a viscosity in a range of from 2 mm²/s centistokes (cSt) at 40° C.to 600 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C., preferably in a range of from 25 mm²/s(cSt) at 40° C. to 400 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C., and more preferably in arange of from 50 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. to 130 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C.

For example, a medium viscosity mineral oil suitable for preparing alithium hydroxide composition of the invention may have a viscositygenerally in a range of from 95 mm²/s centistokes (cSt) at 40° C. to 115mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C., preferably in a range of from 100 mm²/s (cSt) at40° C. to 110 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C., more preferably in a range of from105 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. to 110 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C., and even morepreferably 108 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. Also for example, a high viscositymineral oil suitable for preparing a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention may have a viscosity generally in a range of from 120mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. to 140 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C., preferably in arange of from 125 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. to 135 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C.,more preferably in a range of from 125 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. to 130mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C., and even more preferably 130 mm²/s (cSt) at 40°C.

Suitable examples of mineral oils that may be used for preparing alithium hydroxide composition of the invention include those having thedesignations “HVI” or “MVI”. Suitable examples include oils having ageneral designation “MVI 500”, “HVI 250”, or “HVI 600”. Polyalphaolefinsand base oils of the type manufactured by the hydroisomerisation of waxmay also be used.

Generally, a process of preparing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention comprises contacting a lithium hydroxide component, a baseoil, and a polymer. The process generally comprises heating theresulting mixture to dehydrate the lithium hydroxide component toprovide for a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention. Heatingthe resulting mixture may also dehydrate the resulting mixturecomprising the lithium hydroxide component.

Examples of a suitable lithium hydroxide component for use in preparinga lithium hydroxide composition of the invention include crystallinelithium hydroxide monohydrate, lithium hydroxide monohydrate, anhydrouslithium hydroxide, and combinations thereof. When preparing a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention, the lithium hydroxide componentis preferably crystalline lithium hydroxide monohydrate.

Examples of suitable polymers for preparing a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention include non-surfactant hydrocarbon polymerscapable of raising the viscosity of a soap concentrate, a base oil, or agrease. Examples of suitable polymers for preparing a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention include polyolefins, olefin copolymers,hydrogenated styrene-diene copolymers, and combinations thereof.Examples of suitable preferred polymers for preparing a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention include olefin copolymerscomprising styrene-ethylene/propylene copolymers, for example, astyrene-ethylene/propylene copolymer commercially available from membercompanies of the Shell Group having the designation “Shellvis 60”.

When a fatty acid component is utilized, the fatty acid component willgenerally be neutralized by the lithium hydroxide component duringcontacting to provide for a fatty acid salt. A fatty acid salt asreferred to herein comprises a salt of a fatty acid component asdescribed herein. Preferably, a fatty acid salt is a lithium salt ofhydrogenated castor oil fatty acid referred to herein as a castor oilfatty acid lithium salt.

Examples of suitable fatty acid components for preparing a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention include fatty acids, fatty acidesters, fatty glycerides, and combinations thereof. The fatty acidcomponent comprises carbon atoms generally in a range of from 10 carbonatoms to 24 carbon atoms (C₁₀-C₂₄), preferably in a range of from 15carbon atoms to 18 carbon atoms (C₁₅-C₁₈). The fatty acid component maybe saturated or unsaturated. Examples of suitable fatty acid componentsfor preparing a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention includeoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and other carboxylic acidsderived from tallow, hydrogenated fish oil, castor oil, wool, grease,and rosin, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable fatty acidcomponents for preparing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention include hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), hydrogenated castor oilfatty acid (HCOFA), and combinations thereof, preferably hydrogenatedcastor oil fatty acid (HCOFA). Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) is theglyceride of 12-hydroxystearic acid. 12-hydroxystearic acid is apreferred fatty acid.

Hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid (referred to herein as HCOFA)generally comprises at least 85 weight percent of 12-hydroxystearic acidbased on the total weight of HCOFA. HCOFA may comprise minor amounts ofadditional components. Examples of additional components includepalmitic acid (C16), stearic acid (C18), arachidic acid (C20),12-ketostearic acid, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the term“hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid” (“HCOFA”) refers to a compositioncomprising an amount of 12-hydroxystearic acid that provides for aprocess of the invention, generally an amount comprising at least 85weight percent 12-hydroxystearic acid based on the total weight ofHCOFA, preferably an amount comprising in a range of from 85 to 87weight percent 12-hydroxystearic acid based on the total weight ofHCOFA. An example HCOFA that may be used for preparing a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention includes CENWAX A from ArizonaChemical, Jacksonville, Fla., USA.

Contacting of the components to provide for a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention generally refers to a contacting that isconducted at a temperature, a pressure, and a time period that suitablyprovides for a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention.Contacting generally comprises a heating of the lithium hydroxidecomponent, preferably lithium hydroxide monohydrate, more preferablycrystalline lithium hydroxide monohydrate, that provides for adehydrating of the lithium hydroxide component to provide for a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention. Heating may also provide for adehydrating of the resulting mixture comprising the lithium hydroxidecomponent. For example, a process of the invention comprising a heatingand a dehydrating of a lithium hydroxide component may also provide fora heating and a dehydrating of the mixture comprising the lithiumhydroxide component.

Dehydrating may provide for a reduction in time and energy typicallyrequired to remove a solvent, for example, water, utilized during thepreparation of a soap concentrate or a grease. When a fatty acidcomponent is utilized in preparing a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention, contacting generally provides for a neutralizing of thefatty acid component with the lithium hydroxide component to provide fora fatty acid salt, for example, a castor oil fatty acid lithium salt.

Contacting of the components may be conducted in any order that suitablyprovides for a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention.Contacting of the components may be conducted using any means thatsuitably provide for a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention.Examples of suitable contacting means include mixing, stirring,circulating, and combinations thereof.

The temperature during contacting may be any temperature that suitablyprovides for a heating and a dehydrating of a lithium hydroxidecomponent, a resulting mixture comprising a lithium hydroxide component,or a combination thereof, to provide for a lithium hydroxide compositionof the invention and is generally a temperature found in batchprocessing techniques. Generally, the temperature is in a range of from80° C. to 280° C., preferably in a range of from 85° C. to 225° C., andmore preferably in a range of from 90° C. to 215° C.

The pressure during contacting may be any pressure that suitablyprovides for a heating and a dehydrating of a lithium hydroxidecomponent, a resulting mixture comprising a lithium hydroxide component,or a combination thereof, to provide for a lithium hydroxide compositionof the invention and is generally a pressure found in batch processingtechniques. Generally, the pressure is in a range of from atmospheric,in other words, 0 kilopascal (kPa), to 1380 kPa, preferably in a rangeof from 0 kPa to 690 kPa, and more preferably in a range of from 0 kPato 345 kPa.

The time period during contacting may be any time period that suitablyprovides for a heating and a dehydrating of a lithium hydroxidecomponent, a resulting mixture comprising a lithium hydroxide component,or a combination thereof, to provide for a lithium hydroxide compositionof the invention and is generally a time period found in batchprocessing techniques. Generally, the time period is in a range of from0.5 hours to 8 hours, preferably in a range of from 1 hour to 6 hours,and more preferably in a range of from 1 hour to 3 hours.

A process of preparing a lithium hydroxide composition of the inventionmay comprise the use of an anti-foaming agent. Examples of suitableanti-foaming agents include any anti-foaming agent typically used in theart of preparing a soap concentrate or a grease. Examples of suitableanti-foaming agents for preparing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention include an anti-foaming agent commercially available fromRhein Chemie under the designation “PC1644”.

Some of the polymers, for example, a styrene-ethylene/propylenecopolymer commercially available from member companies of the ShellGroup having the designation “Shellvis 60”, that may be utilized in aprocess of the invention may help reduce foaming during dehydrating of amixture comprising a lithium hydroxide component. Reducing foaming mayprovide for a reduced time period, in other words, less time beingneeded, during contacting of the components to provide for a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention.

The lithium hydroxide component, preferably lithium hydroxidemonohydrate, more preferably crystalline lithium hydroxide monohydrate,that is initially present during a process of the invention isdehydrated so that anhydrous lithium hydroxide, also referred to asdehydrated lithium hydroxide, is present in a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention. The amount of lithium hydroxide componentthat is dehydrated to provide for the anhydrous lithium hydroxide basedon the total amount of lithium hydroxide component initially present isgenerally in a range of from 80 percent to 100 percent, preferably in arange of from 90 percent to 100 percent, and more preferably in a rangeof from 95 percent to 100 percent. For example, if an amount of lithiumhydroxide monohydrate that is dehydrated is 100 percent, then a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention will generally comprise anhydrouslithium hydroxide and generally no lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Alsofor example, if an amount of lithium hydroxide monohydrate that isdehydrated is 80 percent, then a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention will comprise anhydrous lithium hydroxide and lithiumhydroxide monohydrate.

Utilizing a process of the invention at different locations may providefor the flexibility to provide for a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention at one location and then send the lithium hydroxidecomposition to another location to provide for a soap concentrate or agrease depending on the needs of the sent-to location.

For example, a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention may beprepared utilizing batch processing. Also for example, a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention may be utilized to provide for asoap concentrate or a grease utilizing batch processing, conventionalreconstitution techniques, extruder techniques, or a combinationthereof. For example, a lithium hydroxide composition of the inventionmay be prepared utilizing batch processing to provide for a resultinglithium hydroxide composition of the invention that may then be utilizedto provide for a soap concentrate or a grease utilizing batchprocessing, conventional reconstitution techniques, extruder techniques,or a combination thereof.

Batch processing as referred to herein generally comprises the use ofone or more large kettles that may be equipped with, for example, paddleagitation, stirring, heating, external recirculation systems capable ofpumping the contents from the bottom of the kettle to the top, andcombinations thereof. Any size kettle that suitably provides for alithium hydroxide composition of the invention, a soap concentrate, or agrease may be utilized. While the examples disclosed herein utilized asmaller size kettle of the kind that is generally used in a laboratorysetting, a process of the present invention may be utilized in largercommercial size kettles that may be of a size generally in a range offrom 1,000 liters to 20,000 liters, preferably in a range of from 2,000liters to 15,000 liters, and more preferably in a range of from 3,000liters to 10,000 liters. Examples of suitable kettles include openkettles and pressurized kettles. An example grease kettle is equippedwith stirring, heating, and an external recirculation system, capable ofpumping the contents from the bottom of the kettle to the top.

The reconstitution to provide for a soap concentrate or a grease maytake place at the same location(s) as the preparing of a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention or at a different location(s)than the preparing of a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention.

Storing a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention may beconducted utilizing any temperature and technique used in the art ofstoring a soap concentrate or a grease. Examples of storing include theuse of drums, pails, totes, and combinations thereof, preferably withcaustic resistant liners. Storage life may be further increased bystoring a lithium hydroxide composition of the invention under an inertatmosphere, for example, nitrogen or argon. A lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention is generally allowed to cool prior tostoring.

The temperature of storing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention may be any temperature that suitably provides for storage.Generally, the temperature is in a range of from 10° C. to 40° C.,preferably in a range of from 15° C. to 35° C., and more preferably in arange of from 20° C. to 30° C.

A soap concentrate prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention comprises a weight percent of lithium hydroxidecomposition based on the total weight of soap concentrate generally in arange of from 1 weight percent to 20 weight percent, preferably in arange of from 5 weight percent to 20 weight percent, and more preferablyin a range of from 8 weight percent to 15 weight percent.

Soap concentrates prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition ofthe invention include simple soap concentrates, complex soapconcentrates, and combinations thereof. Complex soap concentratesinclude simple soap concentrates additionally comprising a complexingagent.

Examples of suitable soap concentrates that may be prepared utilizing alithium hydroxide composition of the invention include lithium soapconcentrates, lithium complex soap concentrates, lithium-calcium soapconcentrates, and combinations thereof. Examples of preferred soapconcentrates prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention include lithium soap concentrates and lithium complex soapconcentrates.

A soap concentrate, for example a lithium soap concentrate, may beprepared by contacting a lithium hydroxide composition of the inventionwith a fatty acid component as referred to herein. The resulting soapconcentrate may then be contacted with a base oil to provide for agrease. Also, for example, a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention may be contacted with a fatty acid component and a base oil toprovide for a soap concentrate in situ during the providing of theresulting grease.

Lithium complex soap concentrates are soap concentrates wherein acomplexing agent has been incorporated into a lithium soap concentrate.Examples of suitable complexing agents include dibasic acids, saltsthereof, and combinations thereof, for example azelaic acid, boric acid,lithium borate, and combinations thereof, preferably boric acid.

A grease prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention comprises a weight percent of lithium hydroxide compositionbased on the total weight of grease generally in a range of from 1weight percent to 20 weight percent, preferably in a range of from 2weight percent to 15 weight percent, and more preferably in a range offrom 2 weight percent to 12 weight percent.

Examples of greases that may be prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxidecomposition of the invention include lithium greases, lithium complexgreases, lithium-calcium complex greases, and combinations thereof.Examples of preferred greases that may be prepared utilizing a lithiumhydroxide composition of the invention include lithium greases andlithium complex greases.

A grease prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention may comprise additional additives, in amounts normally used inthis field of application, to impart certain desirable characteristicsto the grease including oxidation stability, tackiness, extreme pressureproperties, corrosion inhibition, reduced friction and wear, andcombinations thereof.

Examples of suitable additional additives include antioxidants,anti-rust additives, anti-wear and extreme pressure additives, pourpoint depressants, metal deactivators, and combinations thereof.

A grease prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention may comprise from 0.1 weight percent to 10 weight percent,preferably from 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent, more preferablyfrom 0.1 weight percent to 2 weight percent, and even more preferablyfrom 0.2 weight percent to 1 weight percent of one or more additionaladditives as referred to herein based on the total weight of the grease.For example, a combination of additional additives may be needed toachieve a higher weight percent of additional additive, for example 10weight percent.

Examples of suitable additional additives include zinc salts such aszinc dialkyl or diaryl dithiophosphates, borates, molybdenumdithiophosphate, substituted thiadiazoles, polymeric nitrogen/phosphoruscompounds made, for example, by reacting a dialkoxy amine with asubstituted organic phosphate, amine phosphates, sulphurised sperm oilsof natural or synthetic origin, sulphurised lard, sulphurised esters,sulphurised fatty acid esters, sulphurised materials, organophosphates,for example according to the formula (OR)₃P═O where R is an alkyl, arylor aralkyl group, and triphenyl phosphorothionate; one or more overbasedmetal-containing detergents, such as calcium or magnesium alkylsalicylates, alkylarylsulphonates or alkylsulphonates; ashlessdispersant additives, such as reaction products of polyisobutenylsuccinic anhydride and an amine or ester; antioxidants, such as hinderedphenols or amines, for example phenyl alpha naphthylamine; antirustadditives such as zinc naphthenate; friction-modifying additives;viscosity-index improving agents; pour point depressing additives;tackiness agents, and combinations thereof. Solid materials such asgraphite, finely divided molybdenum disulphide, talc, metal powders, andvarious polymers such as polyethylene wax may also be added to impartspecial properties.

Where the term aryl is referred to herein, the aryl group is preferablya phenyl group or a naphthyl group. Where the term aralkyl is referredto herein, the aralkyl group is preferably a benzyl group or methylnaphthenate.

A grease prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention may comprise an additional additive comprising a single zincdithiophosphate or a combination of two or more zinc dithiophosphates. Agrease prepared utilizing a lithium hydroxide composition of theinvention may comprise an additional additive comprising a singleashless dithiocarbamate or a combination of two or more ashlessdithiocarbamates.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Comparative

A grease kettle equipped with stirring, gas-fired heating, and anexternal recirculation system, capable of pumping the contents from thebottom of the kettle to the top, was charged with 4999.5 grams of highviscosity index (HVI) mineral oil having a viscosity of 50 mm²/s (cSt)at 40° C. (104° F.) (generally having a designation “HVI 250”), 4999.5grams of lithium hydroxide monohydrate, and 1 gram of antifoam agent(obtained from Rhein Chemie under the designation “PC1644”). Theresulting mixture was stirred and heated to above 212° F. (100° C.) at aheating rate of 4.4° F. (2.444° C.) per minute. At 217° F. (102.8° C.),foaming was observed. A few drops of the PC1644 antifoam agent wereadded. The foam decreased for a few minutes and then the resultingmixture started to foam again. After four hours, the foaming stopped.After the foaming stopped, the kettle was heated to 300° F. (148.9° C.).The temperature of the contents of the gas-fired kettle was maintainedat 300° F. (148.9° C.) for 20 minutes while the contents of the kettlewere stirred and circulated from bottom to top using a gear pump. After20 minutes, heating of the kettle contents was stopped and the kettlewas stirred for two hours and allowed to cool to room temperature (70°F. to 80° F.)(21.11° C. to 26.67° C.). The resulting lithium hydroxidecomposition, after dehydration of the lithium hydroxide monohydrate,comprised 36.36 weight percent dehydrated lithium hydroxide, 63.63weight percent HVI 250 base oil, and 0.01 weight percent PC1644 antifoamagent. The resulting lithium hydroxide composition was then transferredto a plastic five-gallon pail. After storage for 24 days at roomtemperature (70° F. to 80° F.) (21.11° C. to 26.67° C.), the top half ofthe container contained base oil and the dehydrated lithium hydroxidehad settled to the bottom of the pail. After storage for 5 months atroom temperature (70° F. to 80° F.) (21.11° C. to 26.67° C.), theappearance was generally the same as after the first 24 days.

Example 2 Inventive

A grease kettle as described herein in EXAMPLE 1 was charged with 4600grams of high viscosity index (HVI) mineral oil having a viscosity of 50mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. (104° F.) (generally having a designation “HVI250”), 5000 grams of lithium hydroxide monohydrate, 300 grams of astyrene-ethylene/propylene copolymer (obtained from member companies ofthe Shell Group under the designation “Shellvis 60”), and 100 grams ofhydrogenated castor oil fatty acid (HCOFA). The resulting mixture wasstirred and heated to 223.5° F. (106.4° C.) at a heating rate of 3° F.(1.667° C.) per minute. The temperature was maintained at 223.5° F.(106.4° C.) for 75 minutes to dehydrate the mixture (neutralize thehydrogenated castor oil fatty acid with lithium hydroxide and distilloff the resulting water). No foaming was observed during the dehydrationof the mixture. The temperature of the kettle contents was thenincreased to 300° F. (148.9° C.) over a time period of 60 minutes. Thetemperature was then increased to 400° F. (204.4° C.) over a time periodof 60 minutes with no observable change in the resulting composition.The resulting composition was circulated for 20 minutes and allowed tocool overnight. The resulting lithium hydroxide composition, afterdehydration of the lithium hydroxide monohydrate and neutralization ofthe HCOFA, comprised 58.53 weight percent HVI 250 base oil, 36.35 weightpercent dehydrated lithium hydroxide, 1.30 weight percent castor oilfatty acid lithium salt, and 3.82 weight percent Shellvis 60 polymer.The resulting lithium hydroxide composition was then transferred to afive-gallon pail. After storage for 5 months at room temperature (70° F.to 80° F.) (21.11° C. to 26.67° C.), it was observed that the resultinglithium hydroxide composition in the pail had not separated and was of asimilar appearance and consistency as when the resulting lithiumhydroxide composition was initially placed in the pail.

Example 3 Inventive

A grease kettle as described herein in EXAMPLE 1 was charged with 600grams of a styrene-ethylene/propylene copolymer commercially availablefrom member companies of the Shell Group under the designation “Shellvis60” and 9400 grams of high viscosity index (HVI) mineral oil having aviscosity of 50 mm²/s (cSt) at 40° C. (104° F.) (generally having adesignation “HVI 250”). The resulting mixture was stirred and heated to300° F. (148.9° C.) at a heating rate of 3° F. (1.667° C.) per minute.The resulting composition was circulated for 20 minutes and then wasallowed to cool with stirring to a temperature below 212° F. (100° C.).A resulting viscous six percent (6%) concentrate of Shellvis 60 in HVI250 was obtained and stored overnight.

A 5000 gram quantity of the resulting six percent (6%) concentrate ofShellvis 60 in HVI 250 and 5000 grams of lithium hydroxide monohydratewere then added to the empty grease kettle and heated to 300° F. (148.9°C.) with stirring. After circulating for 20 minutes, the heat to thekettle was stopped. At 230° F. (110° C.), the resulting lithiumhydroxide composition was pumped to a pail and the resulting lithiumhydroxide composition appeared to be thick and smooth. The resultinglithium hydroxide composition, after dehydration of the lithiumhydroxide monohydrate, comprised 59.82 weight percent HVI 250 base oil,36.36 weight percent dehydrated lithium hydroxide, and 3.82 weightpercent Shellvis 60. After storing for 12 months at room temperature(70° F. to 80° F.) (21.11° C. to 26.67° C.), it was observed that theresulting lithium hydroxide composition in the pail had not separatedand appeared to be of a similar appearance and consistency as when theresulting lithium hydroxide composition was initially placed in thepail.

TABLE 1 discloses a summary of various information from EXAMPLES 1-3.

TABLE 1 Components Initial Storage Time (weight percent) Appearance(approximate) Appearance After Storage Time 36.36 wt. % LiOH; Semi-fluid(a) 24 days; and After (a) and (b): Major 63.63 wt. % HVI basehomogeneous (b) 5 months separation; most of the LiOH oil; 0.01 wt. %PC1644 mixture had settled to the bottom of antifoam agent the pail witha significant amount of oil on top 36.35 wt. % LiOH; Stable,  5 monthsNo separation of the 58.53 wt. % HVI base homogenous components; initialoil; 1.3 wt. % castor suspension appearance and appearance oil fattyacid after storing were generally lithium salt; and the same 3.82 wt. %Shellvis 60 polymer 36.36 wt. % LiOH; Stable, 12 months No separation ofthe 59.82 wt. % HVI base homogenous components; initial oil; and 3.82wt. % suspension appearance and appearance Shellvis 60 polymer afterstoring were generally the same

1. A lithium hydroxide composition comprising lithium hydroxide, a baseoil, and a polymer.
 2. A lithium hydroxide composition according toclaim 1 wherein the lithium hydroxide is present in an amount in a rangeof from 10 weight percent to 60 weight percent based on the total weightof the composition.
 3. A lithium hydroxide composition according toclaim 1 wherein the base oil is selected from the group consisting ofmedium viscosity mineral oils, high viscosity mineral oils, andcombinations thereof.
 4. A lithium hydroxide composition according toclaim 1 wherein the base oil is present in an amount in a range of from40 weight percent to 90 weight percent based on the total weight of thecomposition.
 5. A lithium hydroxide composition according to claim 1wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, olefin copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-diene copolymers,and combinations thereof.
 6. A lithium hydroxide composition accordingto claim 5 wherein the olefin copolymers comprisestyrene-ethylene/propylene copolymers.
 7. A lithium hydroxidecomposition according to claim 1 wherein the polymer is present in anamount in a range of from 0.25 weight percent to 20 weight percent basedon the total weight of the composition.
 8. A lithium hydroxidecomposition according to claim 1 wherein the composition furthercomprises a fatty acid salt and further wherein the fatty acid salt ispresent in an amount in a range of from 0.5 weight percent to 10 weightpercent based on the total weight of the composition.
 9. A lithiumhydroxide composition according to claim 8 wherein the fatty acid saltcomprises a salt of a fatty acid component selected from the groupconsisting of fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty glycerides, andcombinations thereof.
 10. A lithium hydroxide composition according toclaim 1 wherein the composition is in the form of a suspension.
 11. Alithium hydroxide composition according to claim 1 wherein thecomposition is in the form of a stable suspension.
 12. A lithiumhydroxide composition according to claim 1 prepared by a processcomprising contacting a lithium hydroxide component, a base oil, and apolymer.
 13. A process for preparing a lithium hydroxide compositioncomprising contacting a lithium hydroxide component, a base oil, and apolymer.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A process according to claim13 wherein the lithium hydroxide component is selected from the groupconsisting of crystalline lithium hydroxide monohydrate, lithiumhydroxide monohydrate, anhydrous lithium hydroxide, and combinationsthereof.
 17. A process according to claim 13 wherein the contacting isconducted at a temperature, a pressure, and a time period that comprisesa heating that provides for a dehydrating of the lithium hydroxidecomponent.
 18. A process according to claim 13 wherein the base oil isselected from the group consisting of medium viscosity mineral oils,high viscosity mineral oils, and combinations thereof.
 19. A processaccording to claim 13 wherein the polymer is selected from the groupconsisting of polyolefins, olefin copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-dienecopolymers, and combinations thereof.
 20. A process according to claim19 wherein the olefin copolymers comprise styrene-ethylene/propylenecopolymers.
 21. A process of using a lithium hydroxide composition forpreparing a soap concentrate comprising contacting the lithium hydroxidecomposition with a fatty acid component wherein the lithium hydroxidecomposition comprises lithium hydroxide, a base oil, and a polymer. 22.A process of using a lithium hydroxide composition for preparing agrease comprising contacting the lithium hydroxide composition with afatty acid component and a base oil wherein the lithium hydroxidecomposition comprises lithium hydroxide, a base oil, and a polymer.